Healthy Aging: Five Vaccines Seniors Shouldn’t Miss

When it comes to our health, most of us would agree that eating a well-balanced diet and prioritizing exercise go a long way to keeping us healthy and strong. While we can agree that diet and exercise are important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, some seniors fail to recognize the importance of other healthy habits that can have a huge impact on their overall health. Hand washing, for one, is the number one way to prevent the spread of germs, especially as flu season approaches. Some seniors fail to buckle their seatbelt because it wasn’t a routine to them when they first started driving. We know that seatbelts safe lives and many states have laws that reinforce the use of them.

Vaccines are another way to maintain one’s health. As we age, our immune system slows down, leaving older adults more vulnerable to disease and illness. However, by keeping up-to-date with the vaccine recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many seniors can avoid a trip to the doctor’s office and/or hospital. Here are five vaccines seniors shouldn’t miss.

Flu Vaccine

Regardless of your age, anyone can get the flu. However, getting the flu when you’re over the age of 65 often has more complications and can even result in a hospitalization. The best way to protect against the flu is to get a seasonal flu shot every year, no later than the end of October. The flu season begins to see an increase in activity in October, so it’s best to get your flu vaccine before you’re exposed to the virus. It’s also important to note that if you do encounter the flu, getting your flu vaccine can shorten the duration of your illness should you experience symptoms.

Diphtheria and Tetanus

Most of us are familiar with tetanus, a disease that is often the result of encountering the bacteria found in soil, dust, and manure, through a break in the skin. While it is uncommon today in the U.S., it is a vaccine-preventable disease and shouldn’t be ignored. Diphtheria is also rare in the U.S. thanks to widespread vaccination against this disease, but it can be fatal if you haven’t received the vaccination. To protect yourself, the CDC recommends that adults receive the TD booster shot every ten years.

Pertussis

If you have any grand babies or great-grand babies coming to visit you anytime soon, then it is vital to their health that you talk with your doctor about receiving a pertussis vaccine. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, can affect anyone, but is especially serious, even deadly, for infants under the age of one. Most infants who contract pertussis were exposed to the disease by an elderly family member. The good news is that the pertussis vaccine is batched with the Td vaccine, so if you’ve never received the pertussis vaccine, you can opt to receive the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines (Tdap) in one dose.

Shingles

The CDC estimates that one million people get shingles each year in the U.S. Therefore, they recommend that adults over the age of 60 receive the shingles vaccine, especially for anyone who has had chicken pox as a child. If you’re a senior who never had chicken pox, the CDC still recommends that you receive the shingles vaccine. There is no maximum age for getting this vaccine, and even if you’ve had shingles, you can still receive the vaccine to help prevent future outbreaks.

Pneumococcal Disease

The leading cause of serious illness throughout the world happens to be pneumococcal disease. The disease attacks different parts of the body, causing illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, sinus and ear infections, and sepsis. Pneumococcal disease can be deadly, especially for adults over the age of 65. If you are relatively healthy, you should get the one-time shot with the pneumonia vaccine. Some doctors recommend getting a second shot 5-10 years after the first one, depending on your overall age and health.

Visiting Angels Punta Gorda wants every senior to stay healthy and age well. Our goal is to keep seniors living safely and independently in the comfort of their own home. We understand that sometimes you just need a little help around the home; that’s where we come in, to assist you with your in-home care needs. Our compassionate caregivers are ready and eager to get to know you and enhance your daily routines. If you would like more information about the many in-home care services that we provide, please contact us today by calling 941-347-8288 Punta Gorda or 239-226-1620 Cape Coral.